Lately, I’ve been chatting with a few friends, and everyone is complaining about how difficult it is to book a Cita (appointment) in Spain. It’s not so bad for a family doctor, but if you need to see a specialist, the waiting list seems endless. Some say it’s because, after the pandemic, many foreign doctors and nurses who came to work in Spain have returned to their home countries, causing a severe staff shortage. I wonder if anyone else has felt the same?
Have Healthcare Workers Really Left?
This doesn’t seem to be just a rumor. I saw news reports recently confirming that Spain’s public healthcare system is facing staff shortages, especially in remote areas and certain specialties. Many healthcare workers who were on temporary contracts during the pandemic have, upon contract expiration, chosen to move to private hospitals with better pay and working conditions, or even return to their home countries or other EU nations.
My neighbor, a Romanian nurse, is actually considering moving back home. She says the salary in Spain doesn’t match the workload and stress, and career advancement opportunities are limited. Hearing her story makes this “exodus” feel quite real. For those of us who rely on the public healthcare system, this is definitely not good news.
Public vs. Private: A Tale of Two Worlds?
Speaking of which, we have to mention the difference between public and private healthcare. It feels like with the current trend, waiting times in the public system will only get longer. Meanwhile, those who can afford private health insurance might not feel the impact as much, although the entire system is under strain, leading to debates on topics like [severance pay] for departing staff. Here’s a simple comparison I’ve put together based on my own experiences and what I’ve heard:
| Healthcare System | Pros | Cons |
|---|
| Public Healthcare | Free or low-cost | Fast appointments Long waiting times for appointments, especially for specialists |
| Private Healthcare | Fast appointments, better service, more choices | High cost, requires insurance |
This is just a general impression. Honestly, for a common cold or fever, going to a public emergency room (urgencias) is still fine. The quality of care isn’t the issue, which is a testament to the strong foundation of [Spanish medical education]. But if you need a comprehensive check-up or want to see a specialist, the wait… well, those who have waited know the feeling.
So, for those of you who have visited a doctor recently, have you noticed a significant change? For example, is booking a Cita harder, or do doctors and nurses seem busier than before? If you can, please share which autonomous community you’re in, so we can see if the situation for [healthcare staff in Spain] is the same everywhere. Let’s hope this is a temporary problem, otherwise getting sick in Spain could become a real hassle. Wishing everyone good health
!
